How To Get a Strong Letter of Recommendation For College Admission

There are so many questions to consider when you begin applying for college or university… What do I want to major in? What college should I go to? How do I use a washing machine?!

Once you’ve figured out the former, you can really focus on doing what it takes to get into your dream college.

Grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities are clearly important but there’s one more thing to add to your list. 

Why you need a stellar letter of recommendation

Recommendation letters are a necessary addition to any college application. They can demonstrate your character, achievements, initiative, and show exactly who has your back.

The truth of the matter is that a letter of recommendation reveals what the rest of your application can’t - an adult opinion of who you are as a person.

Your chosen college will likely ask for two or three letters from a counselor, teachers, and coaches, employers, or mentors who know you well.  With something so important, it is definitely worth mapping out your plan of action far ahead of your admission deadline.

Now that we’ve covered the why, it’s time to share the who, when, and how of getting a letter of recommendation for college.

First things first … who should you ask?

Most applications will state how many letters or recommendation they require, and from whom A counselor letter is always required, as are between one and three academic teachers, typically.  While letters from others outside of the classroom are not always required, they certainly add a non-academic character reference and create a more well-rounded application. These letters can come from (depending on the college) previous employers, art teachers, clergy members, and coaches who can vouch for your strengths. 

The most important thing to remember when choosing your recommenders is that colleges want to read letters that demonstrate a level of familiarity. They need to be penned by an adult who knows you well and can bring your personality and accomplishments to life.

Begin by talking to teachers with whom you’ve had a recent good relationship. They should be able to speak of your potential and achievements over a reasonable period of time.

Keep in touch with your chosen recommenders to remind them of your deadlines. And always remember to be gracious and thankful for their help and support.

When to ask for a letter of recommendation

A top-notch recommendation letter will no doubt take some time to draft, so plan ahead and give your chosen writers as much time as possible.

We recommend deciding who to ask during the spring semester of junior year. That will give you some time to check they are comfortable recommending you - a good way to avoid letters without substance if they show signs of hesitancy.

Remember that teachers will often get dozens of requests for college letters of recommendation. Get in the door early and fill out all necessary forms and ‘brag sheets’ before their letter-writing patience runs thin!

How to ask - and most importantly - make sure it’s application worthy

Ask your chosen recommenders before summer break and do so in person(when possible). An email or letter can be forgotten or lost among the paperwork. Instead, follow up with a written note to thank them for their consideration.

As you head back for senior year, write a second email to politely remind them, not to forget any required information as provided by your counselor. For schools that use Naviance or SCOIR, there will be a packet of forms that require completion. Others will encourage you to fill in a ‘brag sheet’; a list of your grades and achievements that recommenders can easily refer to. 

If your school does not use a college management system, send your counselor and chosen teachers a formal request through the Common Application once it is open. Include the date of your first deadline and ask them to have their letters ready a week before the due date to avoid any last minute pressure.

How to guarantee a strong letter of recommendation

Whilst letters of recommendation need to be an accurate representation of the applicant, they also need to be high quality. A well-written letter can make a difference in how colleges view you as an applicant. 

In addition to your ‘brag sheet’, consider emailing your teacher beforehand to remind them of any specific anecdotes you’ve shared, or specific projects or papers you are proud of. This will provide them with examples to back up their reference. 

Feel confident waiving the right to read your letters before submission. This will demonstrate to your college that they are trustworthy - and that the writers were completely honest.

Last but by no means least…

Don’t forget to thank your recommenders! Send a thank-you note letting them know your chosen college and how much you appreciate their support. 

Looking for more support? Check out our guide to finding a summer activity to support your college application prep.

College applications can be intimidating but they don’t have to be! 

Get in touch today to find out how we can help ease the stress of admissions and ensure you get a stellar letter of recommendation.